FIA launches investigation over Vettel/Hamilton clash in Baku

Sebastian Vettel is being investigated by the FIA for the incident in which his car hit Lewis Hamilton in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.

During the race Vettel was deemed by the stewards to be guilty of driving dangerously after he turned into and collided with Hamilton’s Mercedes. The German was given a 10-second stop-go penalty at the time but now faces a more severe sanction, possibly including a fine, grid drop or even a race ban.

Vettel hit the back of Hamilton’s car, then pulled alongside and turned into him in Baku, banging wheels with his world championship rival while the pair were behind the safety car. He was clearly angry, believing the British driver had brake-tested him. However the FIA’s examination of the telemetry exonerated Hamilton on this score.

The in-race penalty was considered by many to be too lenient at the time and the FIA president, Jean Todt, was reported to have been unhappy the stewards had not handed down a stronger sentence, which at the time could have included disqualification from the race.